East Jerusalem: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Buses serving Palestinian towns and eastern neighborhoods depart from stations clustered outside Damascus Gate. These services run independently from the West Jerusalem network and continue operating during Shabbat. Riders can reach destinations such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron directly from these transport hubs.

The ascent to the Mount of Olives is steep, so visitors often opt for a bus or take a local taxi from the Old City perimeter. Bus services run toward the summit from transit stops such as the Ammunition Hill light rail interchange. Travelers should remain alert to personal belongings and avoid confrontations while walking in the area.

Some drivers from the western sector refuse to enter specific eastern neighborhoods due to security concerns and local tensions. For sites such as Bethphage, the Chapel of the Ascension, or the Tomb of Lazarus, travelers should take Arab-operated taxis stationed outside Damascus Gate. Major heritage destinations including Gethsemane, the City of David, and Mount Zion remain easily accessible and generally secure.

The light rail crosses between West Jerusalem and East Jerusalem, running alongside the historic boundary before continuing north. Passengers can disembark at stops such as Damascus Gate or Shivtei Israel to access nearby heritage landmarks and transport hubs. Fares allow transfers between the tram and connected bus services when paying with compatible transit cards or contactless bank cards.

Visitors can connect using local Palestinian mobile carriers such as Jawwal and Ooredoo, which offer prepaid cards with data bundles across the territory. Alternatively, travelers often use Israeli provider cards purchased in major hubs for wider high-speed network coverage. Prepaid plans can be purchased and reloaded directly at mobile shops without long-term commitments.